JUNE 2014 Volume 20 No. 4

Students At the heart of our work

Following an international path Open for international business

INTRODUCTION NEWS Introduction Open for A university based in , for Wales: international that’s what we are, that’s what we are proud to say we are. But our business commitment to Wales does not, and should not stop at Offa’s Dyke, far from it... As part of the University’s commitment to be a global university, promote our research and share best practice, the University has established offices in China and India. Here, we introduce the two Office Managers whose job it is to promote Cardiff University.

“I worked with the NCUK “It is already an international since 2006 with much of my university, but in order to achieve work setting up programmes, its ambitious target of being among student recruitment, university the top 100 universities in the world administration and other key it is important that it seeks more tasks,” she adds. international collaborations with academic and industry partners "...we must do more to ensure our Her experience of being in charge overseas to enhance its reputation,” students take advantage of an of an office operation which he added. includes finance and day-to-day international experience and help operations will, she believes, put On taking the role, he’s also very clear her in a good position to build about some of the challenges he faces. them succeed in an increasingly Cardiff University’s reputation in “The key aspect of my job, I global environment.” China. believe, is to facilitate dialogue Somnath Nandy, between Cardiff University and Krintina Qiu, “Cardiff is a beautiful daffodil, India Office Manager Indian institutions for developing Professor Hywel Thomas China Country Manager ready to bloom internationally. partnerships as well as playing a Setting up an India Office based public relations role and liaising with City University, London graduate “I like Cardiff’s innovation in in New Delhi for Manchester key stakeholders. and former Asia Pacific Operations research which will bring benefit Metropolitan University to build We are proud of our unique university has developed greatly In this edition, you’ll hear from our students with the opportunity to Manager for the UK Northern into society and will become a profile, recruit students and build “Cardiff’s reputation in India is place in Wales but equally proud to over the last decade, as has our International Deans and gain an gain free language skills during their Consortium University (NCUK), driving force behind technology collaborations is all good experience limited to Business and Law and “look beyond our borders and aspire global reach and reputation for exclusive insight into their work. studies. Kristina Qiu is the University’s first and finance progress in China. It for Somnath Nandy as he takes up you must take into account the wider to be a global University. teaching. Country Manager for China. also matches China’s international his role as the University’s Office policy agenda that has created a You’ll meet the University’s new Finally, you’ll also hear from our wider international strategy,” she Manager based in India. situation where the UK is no longer We attract a geographically diverse But, if our objective is to be Office Managers in China and students on how an international Experienced in understanding and added. perceived as an exciting study range of staff and students. We consistently among the top 100 India – who, since setting up offices experience has helped shape building relationships between UK Somnath brings with him a wealth destination.” collaborate with institutions, universities in the world we must there, have been helping build our their personal and academic and Chinese universities, Kristina In terms of the key challenges she of experience working in education governments and businesses strive to do much more. reputation in these countries. development. hopes her experience will help her faces, she realises they are big but consultancy as well as working for This is why, over the next three worldwide. build Cardiff’s reputation in her home well worth the effort. more than 10 years as Marketing years, he hopes to be able to report We must do more to ensure our You’ll also learn about new and This is an extremely exciting time country. Manager for the British Council. substantial progress. We conduct research, proven students take advantage of an existing measures we have in place to be the University’s Pro Vice- Kristina adds: “Not everyone Somnath adds: “There’s a great deal to have global significance and international experience and help to help our students – whether it’s Chancellor for International, a role I “As the former Asia Specific likes change; therefore trying to For Somnath the appeal of working of work to be done. impact. them succeed in an increasingly our new Global Opportunity Centre am privileged to hold. Operations Manager for NCUK influence people will be difficult. for a UK Russell Group University, global environment. (GOC) providing a one-stop-shop – a Northern Consortium of the However, by developing ranked highly in the UK, was one of “We want to stabilise student We host international conferences for advice on opportunities to study, I hope you enjoy the edition. Universities of Manchester, Leeds, partnerships, promoting the main attractions and convinced recruitment numbers by 2015 and then and have academics who win major More fundamentally, we need work and volunteer abroad or; Sheffield and others – it was my role exchanges and mutual learning him to apply for the post. strive to achieve a year on year growth international prizes. We support to maximise the impact of our working closely with colleagues in Professor Hywel Thomas . to help Chinese students proceed among each other, we have a real as well as develop a sustainable communities across the globe, using research for society throughout the our Students’ Union to offer advice Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research” into undergraduate and postgraduate opportunity to take this beautiful “Cardiff is a leading University in network of academic and industry and sharing our knowledge. world. That’s why this edition of and support to our international and International programmes in the UK,” insists daffodil and help it bloom in Wales and has invested in many partners in India and strengthen our Cardiff News is dedicated to our students coming to Cardiff for the Kristina, who is also known by her China for the benefit of both socially useful and innovative research alumni network in India.” Our international reputation as a International agenda. first time or; our new Languages Chinese name, Yanqiong. countries.” in the UK and globally,” according to high quality research intensive for All programme providing our Somnath. 2 3 IN FOCUS IN FOCUS

Professor Kenneth Hamilton Thus, the post of International Dean The Deans’ View Professor Kenneth Hamilton has beckoned. been described as “an outstanding virtuoso - one of the finest players As for the role itself: we are The title of ‘International Dean’ may conjure up an image of an international jet setter of his generation” by Moscow’s mostly, I think, facilitators, Kommersant Daily. A graduate whether of international research but the day-to-day reality is very different. With it comes a heavy and demanding of the University of Glasgow and collaborations, student recruitment, of Balliol College, Oxford, his mobility or transnational teaching. workload. Here, we catch-up with the University’s three International Deans and gain doctoral dissertation at Balliol We are also vitally concerned with a unique insight into their work… was a critical study of the opera joining up the dots among all four in fantasias and transcriptions order to help push Cardiff back into of Franz Liszt. He joined the the top 100 global Universities in University in 2012 as Professor the QS Rankings. and most successful transnational would not damage the reputation of of Music. educational programme delivered Cardiff University. We support Schools in their overseas by Cardiff University. Colleagues do occasionally international initiatives, liaise Endless emails are received from ask me what exactly an between the Colleges and the We therefore devised a mobility Despite the daily torrent of The VC and I are due to visit Oman Universities abroad wishing to ““International Dean” is, and how International Office, and report both survey for Schools, collated and overly detailed emails, there in January 2015 to build on this establish partnerships and Skype a mere musician ended up being to our College PVCs and to the analysed the ensuing information, is, ultimately, no substitute success and discuss opportunities calls to check out understanding one. PVC International. and on that basis worked out the for getting out there and for further collaboration across regarding various opportunities details of an International Mobility actively building institutional the University. I have also just comprise part of the role. It’s true that I did rather In addition to our College Bursary Scheme that was approved relationships face to face. I really developed a University Strategy for unsuspectingly drift into responsibilities, we each have by University Executive Board. wish I could say that the travel is Transnational Education. Some result in Cardiff hosting visits international work in my previous general university-wide remits. of the James Bond sitting-by-the- from potential collaborators, such post at Birmingham University. We’re also developing new pool-while sipping-your-third- Two visits to China have resulted as a delegation from Hong Kong, a My own is student international exchange links with Universities Martini type, but alas it’s more of in a collaboration with Capitol pending visit of a Vice-Chancellor The Birmingham International mobility. In that area, I work with worldwide—with, for example, the emerging-jet-lagged-from-a- Medical University Beijing for from an Indian University, a Skype Office had noticed that I tended Rose Matthews and her team in the the University of Hong Kong, the plane-while-facing-a-string-of- student exchange and module call planned to Monash University, to travel rather extensively as a new Global Opportunity Centre University of Rhode Island, and formal-meetings type. transfer with the School of and a collaborative bid for Horizon concert pianist, which made me (GOC) to hit our 17 per cent target. several others. Biosciences. 2020 monies to develop a joint a satisfyingly cheap university They don’t make films about this Masters programme with the representative: “If you’re in It’s worth remembering, however, Within the College of Arts, sort of international work— not Joint undergraduate and University of Malta. Korea anyway, why not negotiate that targets aren’t an end in Humanities and Social Sciences successful films at any rate—but postgraduate degrees are being a collaborative agreement while themselves. International experience we are, among other things, taking the upside is the fascination of investigated, research links are The greatest challenge is choosing you’re there?” ran the argument. is nowadays of crucial importance steps to consolidate and expand exactly the sort of international already established with the ‘who’ to follow up contacts Why not indeed? to many students’ career success. international recruitment activity, experience that we want our School of Medicine through a Joint with, ensuring time is not wasted strengthening research and teaching students also to have. Research Centre, and potential links pursuing those we are unlikely to I subsequently arrived in As a world-class university, we links with Xiamen and Beijing with the School of Pharmacy are partner with. Cardiff around a year and a half should be aiming to produce Normal Universities in China, And the QS rankings will, I’m being considered. ago, just at the point when the culturally sophisticated graduates and initiating collaborations with sure, eventually reflect this Success can be difficult to measure university was becoming more with a truly global outlook—ideally institutions in Singapore. too. Dr Dianne Watkins top of the agenda, as is transnational The offer of student mobility in the short term, as the majority internationally engaged. By then I 100 per cent rather than 17 per cent. Dr Dianne Watkins is an education. placements in the best Chinese of collaborations take time to had a fair amount of international Now, there isn’t any doubt that one . International Dean with a medicine university in Shanghai are establish, and some may never experience under my belt. The first stage in the “mobility downside of these activities is the ” University-wide remit for Sharing links across the College now available to healthcare students come to fruition. project” was to map current activity. frequent flying. Transnational Education. She has and ‘piggybacking’ on existing from Cardiff, secured as part of the been a forerunner in driving the partners has been my strategy, and visits. However there are surely not many transnational education agenda a thriving College of Biomedical jobs where one can combine a love across the University as an active and Life Sciences Student Mobility A typical day working as an of cultural experience and travel, a International and Engagement. supposed to be doing! helping the college meet or exceed member of the Collaborative Group has brought together staff International Dean is usually passion for new developments and He graduated from Queen Mary Within the College of Physical the targets in The Way Forward for Provision Committee. Dianne has from across Schools to share good spent meeting a range of people academic skills and experience into and joined the Royal Observatory Sciences and Engineering I am international student numbers and a clinical background as a nurse, practice and successful links. such as academics, clinicians, and one role. Edinburgh in 1986, where he led the responsible for leading on all raising the University profile into midwife and specialist public health students to discuss the potential construction of the SCUBA camera aspects of international activity, the world top-100. nurse; her research interests lie in In addition to this the College for collaboration with an overseas The work is not glamorous; for the James Clerk Maxwell from recruitment of students at evaluating the impact of education International Steering Group is institution. international travel is exhausting, Telescope in Hawaii. He moved to undergraduate, postgraduate taught The DOI forum has been a great on practice and she is leading setting the direction for the College results in working unsociable University College London Mullard and postgraduate research levels, way of sharing best practice. For modernisation of Community International strategy. The types of collaborations vary hours and the quality of hotel beds, Space Science Laboratory and in to outward mobility of our own example, the School of Earth and Nursing Education on behalf of the from philanthropic work with pillows and food is variable. 1999 moved to take up a new chair students and international research Ocean science has a 50 per cent Welsh Government. So what have been the highlights of countries such as Liberia; working Nevertheless, the rewards are in Astronomical Instrumentation at and collaboration. outward mobility rate amongst its the last year? to establish a new Healthcare immense and I feel privileged Cardiff University – growing it to undergraduate students, whereas Taking on the challenge of Many visits to Oman to further University in India, or developing to work and learn from other the largest group in the School with Mostly this involves liaising with most of the other Schools are International Dean for the College develop collaborative provision opportunities for student mobility countries. International work over 40 members. the Directors for International much lower, and the School of “of Biomedical and Life Sciences have proved profitable, with the across the world. enhances our academic profile (DOI) from each School within the Engineering has a relatively high has proved to be an interesting, latest contract for £4M agreed with and reputation as an international Professor Walter Gear The International Dean role College, who I meet with monthly student population, whereas some stimulating and highly motivating the School of Healthcare Studies, to The list is endless and checking out University and this in turn helps Professor Walter Gear is the is an interesting and exciting one, in an open forum, as well as leading Schools are hovering in the low move. Student mobility and establish a third degree programme the status of the proposal is my first develop our students for the world Head of the School of Physics “although it did take me a while on any international issues at single figure percentage. international recruitment are at the for nurses. This is now the largest job, to make sure that links formed of work. and Astronomy and Dean for to figure just what exactly I was College Board. This is all aimed at

4 .” 5 NEWS NEWS

At college level, I have persuaded With a roughly 75 per cent development of even stronger links Xiamen City is partnered with the College Board that we need a response rate for staff on teaching with the world’s best universities. Cardiff, and the University is in the European study leads to key ambassador role Would you like coordinated international student and research contracts the data This has been approved by UEB Chinese equivalent of the Russell recruitment office, based heavily on revealed a far more impressive and is in the process of being set up; Group, so is an ideal partner in the chance to the successful Engineering model, picture of collaboration with the we are expecting an announcement China. The visit was very successful Spain, teaching English to students from different countries has given and this is now being put in place. best Universities around the world shortly of an opportunity to bid for and is being followed up now. and people working in Cáceres me a palpable sense of European meet President than I think anyone realised or even funds. who wanted to boost their level of consciousness and identity and has I also liaise closely with the two hoped for! On that trip I also visited several English, in order to adapt to a more cultivated my interest in European Obama? other College Deans, Professor Bob People always ask whether being an Universities in Beijing and had international workplace. politics and contemporary issues. Lark and Professor Roger Whitaker, One specific outcome has been that International Dean means I spend the pleasure of meeting a couple In addition, I feel more confident, particularly on European and other KU Leuven has been identified as a all my time travelling, to which my of Cardiff medical students on an I benefitted from the Erasmus adaptable and generally better International funding opportunities. possible European University with response is always: “no more than elective there, as well as having programme in a multitude of ways, equipped to deal with challenges which Cardiff has the broadest and I have always done anyway for my dinner with a billionaire, which was The experience of working and both personally and professionally. and problems when they arise after University-wide I have been given deepest research links in place, and research”. an interesting experience. studying abroad was enough to Learning to express myself navigating life in two different the remit for International research. is a prime candidate for a strategic encourage one Cardiff student to proficiently in a variety of different countries with different education The first thing I did in this role partnership agreement, if they are In fact, I spend far more time Overall, my year and a bit in become an ambassador. French and contexts in French and Spanish has systems. was to try to find out how many willing. Professor Hywel Thomas, meeting and greeting visiting parties this role has been a rapid and Spanish student Charlotte Walmsley boosted my confidence and given international research links Richard Cotton and I are visiting in Cardiff from around the world stimulating learning curve as well tells her story … me a greater degree of fluency. I decided to become an Erasmus academics across the University Leuven at their invitation to discuss who want to see how we do things as exciting in developing and seeing ambassador for the British Council actually had, and recognising this possibility further. and talk to us about partnerships. through new initiatives. I studied abroad in both a This will later benefit me when after having spent my best year of that the data held centrally was One major trip though was as French university, l’Université de I enter into an increasingly university as an Erasmus student Would you like the chance to meet incomplete initiated a survey which Another initiative I have led is part of a large delegation of 14 Hopefully this will contribute to “Nantes, and a Spanish university, competitive jobs market and also abroad. Upon arriving home, I was President Obama, cycle across was sent out to all academic staff in the proposal of an international academics, headed by the VC, who Cardiff’s upward trajectory in the la Universidad de Extremadura. offers me the opportunity to work eager to talk about my experiences the Golden Gate Bridge and visit the University. collaboration fund to encourage the visited Xiamen in China in March. international league tables. Studying abroad was hugely in a variety of different roles in and encourage others to take on the one of the Seven Wonders of the enriching both in terms of European institutions, both in the challenge. World? . improving my linguistic abilities UK and abroad. ” and developing general life skills. Since becoming an Erasmus Well, that’s what one Cardiff Breaking down language barriers Furthermore, I feel that my world ambassador, I have been involved in student experienced during her In both countries I organised view has been enriched by my talks with the National Assembly for year studying abroad. accommodation with native French experience of living abroad and has Wales about widening access for the Being thrown in at the deep end, needing to and Spanish speakers, which given me a valuable insight into the programme, helped at Open Days Chloe Howard is part of a allowed me to fully immerse myself different culture and lifestyles of our and given talks to students about my growing band of Cardiff students pick-up a new language and the technical in cultures different to my own. European cousins. Living in France time abroad. taking a year abroad to experience I also organised employment in and Spain and meeting people a different style of learning and difficulties of complex legal terms was the . gain vital life experiences. biggest challenge faced by one Cardiff ” Studying abroad: “A catalyst patient satisfaction, quality of “I fancied a change in scenery student as part of her studies abroad – but, assessment and the effectiveness of and was interested in America’s for increased personal and interventions,” she adds. criminal justice system, “ said on reflection was certainly worth the effort. Chloe, who spent a year out of professional maturity” Dwynwen is quick to encourage her studies in criminology in the other students to take advantage of School of Social Sciences. Gemma Williams, who graduates “Perhaps most importantly though, “Although it was great meeting total international perspective, and such opportunities. this year with a degree in Law and was that the University is renowned people from other countries, experiencing all of that really makes different country, where the health “I wanted a new challenge; German, spent a year living in in Germany for its law programme my language skills predictably Erasmus more than just a study system is slightly more privatised “Overall, it was a very rewarding I met some new people and Passau, Bavaria, a small town in the as well as having a great reputation benefitted the most when I was abroad for a year. in comparison with the United experience and I believe that more gained much more confidence South East of Germany as part of the with the Erasmus scheme. To socialising and studying with native Kingdom,” according to Dwynwen. students should attend Erasmus and a greater understanding of Erasmus programme. fit in with Cardiff University German students.” “Although I was interested in projects and represent both our other cultures as Miami is very requirements, I basically had to sit languages before my year abroad, During her stay, she packed-in country and British universities. multicultural.” The Erasmus scheme offers students the first year of the German law Despite the steep learning curve, I’m now totally passionate about three separate placements. They In this way, I believe we can be the opportunity to study or work in a degree. the benefits, according to Gemma, them, so much so that I’ve done included five weeks theoretical a model for the Of one of only four students from European country, provided that the were huge and far outweighed the several open days and target days The chance to spend 14-weeks in approach – as opposed to clinical and make both our country and the School to take a year out, placement is recognised as part of “At first this was quite a challenge difficulties. trying to get both children and peers Sweden proved to be a “catalyst for practice – which included a course universities better known in Chloe’s year included visiting the student’s degree programme by as the lectures were in German and, involved in learning a new language. increased personal and professional on ‘Interdisciplinary Perspectives different parts of the world. large parts of America and the home institution. although I had a good grounding “Coming away from Erasmus, I maturity” according to Dwynwen on Rehabilitation’, followed by a Mexico. in conversational German, legal am now fairly fluent in German, as “Today, with such a focus on the Evans. two week stint on a student-run “I learned a lot more about myself “Although Passau is a small town, German is something different most people expect to be after living European Union and international orthopaedic ward. This type of in that one semester than throughout The trip included a visit to it was only a two hour train journey altogether! in a country for a year. However integration, it has never been more Third-year Occupational Therapy placement and way of teaching and the remaining two and-a-half Cancun for Spring Break, visited from Munich and you could quite Erasmus gives you so much more important to have language skills student Dwynwen spent a learning is unique to Linkoping. years of the course because of the Chicken Itza (one of the World literally walk to Austria in ten “Secondly, while the lectures were than that. as you can pretty much work for placement at Linkoping University unique space in which I learned, Heritage sites), island hopping minutes as it was just across the two hours long, being thrown in anyone, anywhere, she adds. ” in Sweden gaining experience of “I would say that the main highlight experienced, and spent exploring in the Bahamas, driving down river. It was also a great location at the deep end was beneficial “Personally, I have become a lot delivering occupational therapy in a was gaining awareness of cultural another culture. the Pacific Coast Highway in for exploring some surrounding as my language skills picked up more self-confident and I’m trying Further information on the different country. differences and improving my California, going to Washington countries, including the Czech dramatically. I also made a whole out new things that I would have University’s Erasmus programme communication skills. “I feel that the experience as a DC and visiting the White house Republic, Italy, Austria and load of new friends, both other never done before. I’m also much and the opportunities are available “It was a valuable opportunity whole has served as a catalyst for as well as actually meeting Hungary,” according to Gemma. Erasmus students and domestic more organised. Erasmus gives you at: www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/ to witness the clinical practice “This allowed me to fully appreciate increased personal and professional President Obama who visited her German students. a much wider appreciation for other prospective/international/erasmus and theoretical implication of the importance and impact maturity,” she added. school during the elections. cultures and traditions, giving a occupational therapy within a communication can have on both 6 7 MOTHERS OF AFRICA MOTHERS OF AFRICA

Checking the vital signs as Engineering student Gwilym the patient is anaesthetized. Jones helps village teacher Alex Mothers of Africa reimage the Mothers of Africa computers. return to Zambia

Cardiff University supported charity Mothers of Africa, led by Professor Judith Hall, has returned from its latest trip to Zambia’s Chongwe District.

The charity, established to help local communities in sub-Saharan Africa address the United Nations Millennium Development Goals through education, has been working in Zambia’s Chongwe District for the last three years.

The Go Zambia project is centered on the Chongwe District Hospital and Mothers of Africa’s Sue Hunt works the nearby rural village of Shiyala. with one of the village women on the new sewing machines. The project has a community-to- community base, with the core activities in Chongwe supported by activities in Cardiff, such as school engagements and art exhibitions. The latest visit saw a multi- disciplinary team providing hands-on teaching in the hospital and further community developments at the Shiyala village solar classroom, which the charity has helped develop with substantial support from the University’s School of Engineering.

More images from this and previous trips can be found at: www.flickr. com/gozambia

Chongwe District Hospital: On the children’s ward, Alice and mum Emma happy at the prospect of going home with Alice having recovered from malaria.

8 9 NEWS NEWS European library link-up Drawing on a life with HIV

It’s not just students who can benefit from time spent working “I’m delighted 5M people in live with HIV/ abroad. Staff can too... with the success AIDS – around 460,000 are children. of our Erasmus Since 2009, members of the student mobility for work and study 2009, to this year’s 24 – a figure Coping with a life threatening “The results were remarkable, with University’s Library Service have among universities across Europe. double that of the last programme in Staff Development condition is difficult at any age, but the teenagers telling some extremely been building links with colleagues The events enable librarians from 2012.” Programme.” one Cardiff academic is using the moving stories for the first time.” from libraries across Europe through across Europe to learn from each unusual medium of the comic book to its Erasmus Staff Development other. This year’s programme featured help South African teenagers come to Since 2010, healthcare education Programme. a range of library-related topics, terms with their condition by putting charity Whizzkids United has been Find out more about Janet Peters, Director of University including approaches to social pen to paper. successful in using football training The programme of international Libraries, said: “I’m delighted with media; the University’s Special the Erasmus Staff as a metaphor for educating South training events has been developed by the success of our Erasmus Staff Collections and Archives (SCOLAR); Development Programme Dr Lisa El Refaie, Cardiff African teenagers about the risks of Cardiff University Libraries as part Development Programme. We have information literacy; and Open at: www.cardiff.ac.uk/insrv/ University’s School of English, HIV/AIDS with 35,000 graduates of of the European Union’s Erasmus grown considerably from the six Access publishing. outreach/erasmus/ Communication and Philosophy, the programme so far. scheme, which encourages staff and visitors at our inaugural event in has worked alongside South African health education charity Whizzkids The targeted young people live in United (WKU) to produce their areas where up to 60 per cent of own comic strips highlighting their adults are infected with the disease. Future world leaders welcomed feelings and experiences of living WKU was keen to find other ways of with HIV. reaching teenagers, and of ensuring that those taking part in their football Future world leaders have been Award winning British comic artist programmes found their way to the welcomed to the University as part “The Chevening programme is one of the most prestigious Stephen Marchant was then enlisted WKU Health Academy where they of a prestigious global scholarship to turn some of the entries into a full- can be tested for HIV and receive programme designed to foster close international schemes, awarding scholarships to help the world’s colour comic book. counselling and information. relationships with future decision- emerging leaders study in the UK,” Vice-Chancellor, makers. Dr El Refaie said: “I suggested WKU The comic book workshop has been Professor Colin Riordan. might run workshops on how to extremely successful in getting the Some 50 Chevening scholars – draw comics, as a way to encourage teens to open up and express their including two Cardiff students the teenagers to explore and express feelings while receiving support and – visited the University as part of their own experiences and feelings, education. a programme of events to widen and create educational messages their knowledge of the UK. relevant to other young people in their community. Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship programme and a key part of the UK’s diplomacy During the week-long visit the across a huge range of businesses effort to bring young professionals Strengthening links with China Vice-Chancellor was awarded an in China and there are many who have already displayed Honorary Professorship by Peking opportunities for our students to outstanding leadership talents to University and made an International spend time here as well. study in the UK. A high level University delegation visits to Peking, Capital Medical Adviser by CMU at a presentation headed East to renew and enhance (CMU) Xiamen and Hong Kong ceremony held in the Great Hall of “The new prospects that an “The Chevening programme the University’s international profile. Universities. the People in Beijing. economy like China offers the is one of the most prestigious University in helping create new international schemes, awarding The Cardiff visit followed a There was also an opportunity Both awards are the most prestigious research collaborations are exciting scholarships to help the world’s UK Government delegation to for the University to celebrate the available from each institution and both with other universities and emerging leaders study in the UK,” China where the Vice-Chancellor achievements of Cardiff alumni reflect Cardiff’s developing relations with private companies. according to Vice-Chancellor, accompanied David Willetts, and meet Hong Kong based Welsh with these top universities in China. Professor Colin Riordan. Minister for Universities and business leaders as well as awarding “This visit helps to build further Science, on the delegation led by an Honorary Fellowship to Professor Professor Riordan added: “What our international profile and to put “With Cardiff University’s Welcomed by the University’s on Welsh politics by Professor Roger Chevening Scholarships operate George Osborne, Chancellor of Yang Wei, President of the National pleased me most was the enthusiasm Cardiff and Wales firmly on the renewed commitment to the Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Scully from the University’s Wales in some 118 countries worldwide. the Exchequer, which linked with Science Foundation of China. which greeted us throughout our world map.” internationalisation agenda, I am Riordan and Pro Vice-Chancellor Governance Centre. Scholars are personally selected a delegation led by Boris Johnson, entire visit. Our alumni are spread delighted that not only are we able for International & Engagement, by British Embassies and High Mayor of London, at various points “Cardiff University already enjoys to support the programme but we Professor Hywel Thomas, the Funded by the Foreign and Commissions throughout the during the visit. long standing research collaborations can play our part in helping to scholars also received a presentation Commonwealth Office (FCO) the world. There are some 42,000 with China. This visit was an “Cardiff University already enjoys long standing create lasting positive relationships on the Welsh language by the Head scholarships allow students to pursue Chevening Alumni, forming one The Vice-Chancellor undertook a opportunity to celebrate, build and with the world’s future leaders, of the School of Welsh, Professor a one-year Master’s degree in any of the most influential and highly series of high profile engagements renew these links,” according to research collaborations with China. This visit was influencers and decision makers,” Sioned Davies, visited the home of subject and at any of the UK’s leading regarded global networks. which further strengthened the Vice-Chancellor Professor Riordan, an opportunity to celebrate, build and renew he added. the Welsh Assembly and were briefed universities. links that Cardiff University has who led the delegation. with China. The schedule included these links” 10 11 IN FOCUS IN FOCUS Putting genetics on a world stage A passion for Cytogenetics and Advanced Cell and Immunobiology are “I hope to go on to do a not the subjects of choice you’d expect for your average Miss World PhD after graduation and contestant. But, for one Cardiff student as she heads-off to compete for possibly even work for a the coveted world crown she hopes her passion for genetics will lead to pharmaceutical company career developing disease-beating drugs. to develop disease-beating drug interventions.”

It was at a rehabilitation centre in She continued: “My days at the for a pharmaceutical company Bridgend that Alice, a second-year hospital instilled in me a desire to to develop disease-beating drug University Microbiology student, first learn more about genetic disorders. interventions. felt moved to improve the quality of Genes, when seen at a molecular somebody’s life. level, are minute. But their influence “I’m not entirely sure what I want on a person’s propensity to addiction, to do yet but my studies are giving Speaking of the week she spent their health and life expectancy can me plenty of options.” volunteering to hand out doses of be huge. methadone to opiate addicts, she She counts Genetic Manipulation, was struck by the appearance of the “I found that very little can be done Non-Bacterial Pathogens, patients. once neurodegenerative diseases such Cytogenetics and Advanced Cell as Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s and Immunobiology among her “We kept a picture of all of our drop- take their grip. Alzheimer’s is an favourite modules. in patients on a computer database, extremely common disease for but most of the time the people who which a cure is yet to be found – it “The School of Biosciences offers came in looked nothing like their runs in my family. I recently lost my some fantastic opportunities that photograph,” she said. grandfather to the disease.” not only assist your degree but help prepare you for your chosen career. “They looked 20 – sometimes even Stem cell therapy, she points out, 30 – years older than their age. Years is currently being researched for “The best advice I could give to of drug addiction had simply ruined its application in the treatment of a student planning on studying a their appearance, yet many of them Alzheimer’s. science related subject is to choose just couldn’t quit. a degree you have a passion for, as “Studies into stem cells are beginning a lot of work and outside reading “A week there was more than I could to show huge potential in managing is required thus a strong interest in bear. I thought there has to be a better the effects of Alzheimer’s. My your chosen degree is needed. And way for treating them than simply ambition would be to explore dream big!” substituting their addiction.” this potential through research to ultimately improve the quality of life Given that Alice is currently She spent the following year doing for sufferers. balancing exam revision with a work experience in the Pathology part-time job and a modelling Department of the Royal Glamorgan, “Studying molecular biology at career, few could accuse her shadowing a Consultant. While there Cardiff’s School of Biosciences dreams of being small. she was given the opportunity to will enable me to do this – I work in the biochemistry department, hope to go on to do a PhD after Having been crowned as Miss where she studied the microscopic graduation and possibly even work Wales, she is now preparing to fly anatomy of cells and disease-carrying the Welsh flag in this year’s Miss microbes. World competition.

“The School of Biosciences offers some fantastic opportunities that not only assist your degree but help prepare you for your chosen career.” Alice Ford

12 13 MEET THE TEAM CARDIFF PEOPLE

Meet the Team: Cardiff University Students’ Cardiff People Richard Cotton Ditto Facebook. I joined Cardiff in January 2013, after 14 Describe yourself in three Union, Advice and Representation Centre (ARC) words What makes you get out of years working in the UK and overseas for bed in the morning? the British Council.. International, loyal, often Ensuring Cardiff’s 5,000 strong international student community get access to free, intolerant. Coming to work at Cardiff University, obviously! impartial and confidential advice on a range of issues from housing to employment is the job of Cardiff University’s Students’ Union Advice and Representation Centre I moved here from Abu Dhabi, where In Desert Island Discs style, I was the British Council’s Director if you were cast away alone If you could banish one thing (ARC) team. in the United Arab Emirates. Prior to on a desert island which three into room 101, what would it that, I had worked in China focussing songs would you take with be? on the UK’s Arts and Education links you? with China and Hong Kong. I have Too many to mention – as an also worked in Thailand for a number Unfinished Sympathy - Massive intolerant Yorkshire man I’d need of years, developing bilateral Science Attack, a warehouse 101. and Education links there and in I Am The Resurrection - The Cambodia. Stone Roses, You Make It Easy - Air Who has been the biggest In between overseas postings, influence on you during your I worked in London as Head Dead or alive - who would What can I say? I’m stuck in the time at the University? of the CEO and Chair’s Office, be your three ideal dinners ‘90s! focussing on the development of guests and why? The Vice-Chancellor. It’s the British Council’s relationships been great to have such a high with Government Departments and Zhou Enlai – China’s Premier Who and what inspires you commitment on international Ministerial Offices. during the Cultural Revolution, most? work, with a clear idea of what to find out how he emerged the University can achieve on the My role as Director of the relatively unscathed during such a Watching my daughter grow up. international stage. International Office at Cardiff turbulent era. involves working with both partners overseas and colleagues here to Lord Kinnock – I used to work What makes you smile? If you were Vice-Chancellor for ensure that our Internationalisation with Neil at the British Council the day what would you do? Strategy is being implemented and and he is a great raconteur. Plus it Living in Cardiff; after 3 years we are maintaining and enhancing our would be fascinating to see him stuck in the desert even the Take the day off and spend my global position. at the same table as a communist weather makes me smile here. pay rise on something fun. leader. This involves developing agreements to increase the flow of students in Henry Kissinger – from one Tweet or not to Tweet? and out of Cardiff and exploring new extreme to the other. ideas for partnerships in research and Not to tweet. I’m under no teaching overseas. illusions that the world needs to know what I had for breakfast.

Image (left to right): Zandra Pitt, Advice Centre Manager; Emily Harding, Student Adviser; Jane Harding; Rachel Natton; Helen Dent, Vice-President for Welfare. China study sparks interest in global opportunities Working alongside other student confidential, independent service academic advice and representation, ”We constantly monitor policy support services, the ARC offers to members of Cardiff University’s if and when things go wrong. and practice issues that may affect a helping hand to all students – Students’ Union,” according to students and will work to influence A three week stint studying Mandarin “The whole process of taking on shifted towards career opportunities including international students, who Zandra Pitt, who manages the ARC “Another crucial part of our work is decisions and service improvements and business, plus a series of cultural a new challenge really feeds my offering international mobility, often arrive in the country for the alongside a team of professional providing information and advice, and change,” she adds. visits, helped spark a new interest thirst for problem solving and something that fits especially well first time needing advice on a variety advisers. representation and advocacy on a in global opportunities according to understanding new ways of thinking,” with his degree discipline. of issues from academic issues to range of academic issues,” adds Based in Cardiff Students’ Union on Cardiff student, Benjamin Govier according to Benjamin. the complexities of a UK housing “What we offer our students is Zandra. Park Place the ARC also signpost Roach. So much so, he is all set to return to contract. information and general advice on students to other organisations that “I have made loads of friends and China. a range of issues such as academic, “Whether that’s academic appeals, may be able to help such as specialist Benjamin, who is currently in his industrial/academic links through the Seeing some 2,000 students annually consumer, employment, housing and complaints, disciplinary issues and legal help, support services, health third year studying mechanical scheme too. I also got the opportunity Ben added: “I am now currently in over the University’s two campuses, welfare matters,” she adds. more, then we can help support services and Council services. engineering, spent last summer at to travel before and after the program the process of organising a return trip the ARC team offers regular drop- students at often extremely difficult Zeijang University in China. started, allowing me to discover a this summer, this time to work with in sessions during weekdays and However, it’s the ARC’s times during their studies. Further information on the services Organised via the StudyChina much wider view of Asia and also an engineering/green tech company outside term time by phone and independence of the University that available can be found at: www. scheme, he took up the challenge to spur my interest even further in in Shenzhen, South China through e-mail. is such a crucial element, according “Crucially we also work closely with cardiffstudents.com/advice. take himself out of his comfort zone Chinese culture,” he added. the CRCC Asia internship schemes. to Zandra. the elected Sabbatical Officers - so if and embrace new ways of thinking. Both trips are supported by Cardiff “The ARC provides advice there appear to be wider issues that Since returning, Benjamin says he University. “ and information, advocacy and As well as offering general advice require their support and attention has become much more interested in representation through a free, the ARC is also on hand to offer we can work closely with them. global opportunities and his focus has 14 15 NEWS

Cardiff News

One-stop-shop for Editor: Karen O’Shea, Cardiff University, 2-4, Park Grove, global study Cardiff, CF10 3PA. ISSN 13355-3127, Vol 20 No.4

Students looking for opportunities to Association of Commonwealth study, work and volunteer abroad can Universities’ Newsletter of the access all the information and support Year, 2011. they need through the University’s new Global Opportunity Centre The Editor reserves the right (GOC). to edit contributions received. Whilst care is taken to ensure The dedicated Centre offers advice the accuracy of information, and information for all current and this cannot be guaranteed. prospective Cardiff students looking for opportunities to study abroad as Views expressed in ‘Cardiff part of their studies. News’do not necessarily reflect those of the University. It also acts as the main point-of- Items of interest relating to contact for incoming study abroad, the University and its staff are exchange and Erasmus students. welcome and should be sent to: Communications and As well as practical advice and International Relations support, the GOC is also responsible Division. for administering the University’s mobility programmes – including Tel: 029 2087 5596 study, work and volunteering and Twitter: @cardiffuninews monitoring incoming and outgoing Email: [email protected] students – as well as distributing Online: www.cardiff.ac.uk/ grants and bursaries. news/newsletter.html Cardiff University is a registered The Global Opportunity Centre (GOC) was officially opened by former MEP and Member of the charity, no. 1136855 House of Lords, Baroness Eluned and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan.

Languages for All

From September all students Students can study accredited courses has been a well-known examination Languages for All will continue to enrolled on a degree course can in French, Italian, German, Spanish, centre for international language develop and expand the number of learn a language or improve their Chinese Mandarin and Japanese, qualifications for more than a decade. languages and courses available to existing skills, for free. which are designed to fit around their students over the next few years. studies. “The Languages for All programme The Languages for All programme will no doubt provide a platform More information on Languages offers a range of flexible courses in Dr Catherine Chabert, Acting for students to become part of a for All is available at: languages and cultural awareness Director of Languages for All, said: unique international environment www.cardiff.ac.uk allowing students to learn in a way “This is an extremely important step at the University as well as gaining languagesforall/. that suits them, in their own time. forward for Cardiff University, which invaluable skills for life.”

Address Label Cardiff News is available in large print format. To request a copy please email: [email protected]

Printed on 100% recycled paper, in line with the University’s commitment to sustainability. Read more at www.cardiff.ac.uk/sustainability.

16